In pictures: giants of the natural world

A tarantula named poecilotheria rajaei has recently been discovered in Sri Lanka. The genus Poecilotheria is found only in India and Sri Lanka, and are known for being colourful, fast and venomous. The tree-dwelling poecilotheria rajaei has a leg span of 8 inches and is sufficiently venomous to kill mice, lizards, small birds and snakes.Picture: Ranil Nanayakkara / British Tarantula Society